Enhancing Your Hike
Learning to See The Forest and The Trees
Introduction
More than likely you have arrived here because you enjoy the outdoors, as do many people. The opportunity to escape from traffic, cellphones, and many other aspects of life provide us the ability to maintain our sanity. Hiking creates and excellent means to do just that. Being in the outdoors is great, but why not enhance the journey with a little extra knowledge.
Knowledge You Say?
No, there won't be any tests, but there a few ways to further enjoy your adventure.
Could there be any harm in learning a little bit about what you are actually seeing out there? Certainly not. How do you do that? Grab yourself a field guide or two and identify some of those things out there. Enriching your experience by being able to ID even a few common trees and birds can truly be rewarding. Instead of saying, "that sure is a lot of nice trees out there," you can impress your friends with terms like Frasier Fir, Quaking Aspen, or even Yellow Poplar. If you really want to raise an eyebrow or two, point out that Liriodendron tulipifera (Yellow-poplar).
You can do the same thing with some of the more common birds in the area. Point out the Cardinal, Myrtle Warbler, or even that Junko. They are not just sparrows anymore. They're each an individual species with its own characteristics and personality.
Now I'm not suggesting you hit the books like you're about to take a final exam. Being an expert really isn't necessary, but an increased understanding of what you're actually looking at can add a little something extra to that trek. It can be a great way to entertain the kids as well. Find a tree or spot a bird, and let them try to ID it. Enjoy all that nature provides.
This article was written by Mark Allen of Hiker's Corner.